Princess Anne Middle School
Civics and Economics 8
2012-2013 Class Expectations
Teacher: Mr. Lavallee
School Telephone Number: 648-4950 ext. 72135
E-mail Address: Daniel.Lavallee@vbschools.com
Wikispaces Address: pams-dlavallee@wikispaces.com
Assignment Information: Subscribe to “My School Mail” through the PAMS website.
Course Description: This course emphasizes the roles and responsibilities of informed citizens in a democracy.
Examination of the United States and Virginia constitutions provides the basis for the study of governments at the
national, state and local levels. Students explore the reasons for and development of a variety of governments and
economies from both historical and contemporary viewpoints. This course also covers the basic principles of
Economics, especially as they relate to the United States and its trading partners. Students enrolled in this course will
take the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) test for Civics and Economics.
Course Objectives: All of the Grade Eight Social Studies Standards of Learning for the Commonwealth of Virginia
are included in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum. Students mastering the material will
be prepared to pass the Standards of Learning Test. A detailed listing of the Social Studies objectives and their
correlation to the Standards of Learning are listed in the Parent/Student Course Information Sheets, which are
provided by the city, or log on to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Website at www.vbschools.com.
Course Scope and Sequence: The course is divided into the following units: Unit 1 (A Government of Citizens),
Unit 2 (Constitutional Government) Unit 3 (People and Politics), Unit 4 (The Legislative Branch), Unit 5 (The Executive
Branch), Unit 6 (The Judicial Branch), Unit 7 (Economics), Unit 8 (State Government), and Unit 9 (Local Government).
Texts and Materials: Civics and Economics by James E. Davis, Phyllis Fernlund and Peter Woll (Prentice
Hall/Pearson 2010). A variety of audio, visual and electronic resources will also be incorporated throughout the year.
On a daily basis, students are required to bring the following to class: a three ring binder with wide-ruled paper, an
ink pen which writes in either blue or black ink, and a sharpened pencil.
Assessment Measures: Students will be tested with both objective questions and essays. Grading will be based on
100 percent and student progress will be evaluated through performance on tests, quizzes, completion of homework,
class work, research, and group and individual projects. Students will also be assessed with pre-course, mid-term
and post-course examinations that will demonstrate learning throughout the academic year. The Standards of
Learning examination will be administered near the end of the academic year.
Grading Procedures and Policies The Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ grading scale is used: 93 - 100 A, 90 - 92
A-, 87 - 89 B+, 83 - 86 B, 80 - 82 B-, 77 - 79 C+, 73 - 76 C, 70 - 72 C-, 67- 69 D+, 64 - 66 D, Below 64 E. Grades will be posted
by 5:00 PM one week after the due date. Lengthy assignments may take longer to post but the date of the posting
will be announced in class. Unexcused late assignments are given the lowest priority to be graded. All assignments
are due on the date assigned. Parents can review current grades by accessing the Parent Portal in the school’s
website.
Success 2012: P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds
Civics and Economics 8
Make-up work is expected to be completed and turned in on time. In the event of an excused absence, late work
will be accepted. Students will have extra time to complete assignments equivalent to the time missed from class.
Students are urged to check my wikispaces website for missing assignments before returning to school.
All assignments can be read, downloaded and/or printed before returning to class. Doing this will make you better
prepared to know what help I need to give you. Assignments missed due to unexcused absence or simply not
completed due to forgetfulness or choice will be accepted until the completion of the current unit of study. Ten
points per day late will be subtracted from the grade of such late assignments, up to a maximum of forty points.
Chronically late assignments from the same student will NOT be accepted without a compelling reason.
Help Sessions: Extra help is always available to any student who requests it. Students can make arrangements for
before-school help (from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM), Monday through Friday, with 24 hours notice and parental permission.
Parents may communicate their permission by signing the agenda. Parents are responsible for their child’s
transportation to school.
Procedures for conferences, parental contacts: Students, parents, and teachers need to work as a team to
ensure student success. Parents may reach me by e-mail or telephone (see above). When a student’s overall
performance is below average, parents will be notified through their child’s agenda, progress report, a telephone call,
or email.
Citizenship Expectations: A class atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance is expected and anticipated. In the
unlikely event of serious or chronic misbehavior, a referral to the administration will be made. Always follow the
guidelines and rules found in your code of conduct and agenda. In addition, cheating in any form will not be
tolerated. All students will follow the Honor Code.
Parents and Student: Please review, sign, and return the bottom portion of this page by Friday, September 14,
2012. Please include your telephone number(s) and e-mail address (if one is available). Thank you.
I am looking forward to a great year with your child!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Civics and Economics 8 – Mr. Lavallee
Parent/Student Signature and Date: I have reviewed these expectations and information with my child and will
support the teacher in the delivery of instruction for this coming school year.
Please complete and return by Friday, September 14, 2012
_________________________________
Parent Signature
__________________________________
Student Signature
Home Phone_______________________
Work Phone (Mom) __________________
E-mail____________________________
Work Phone (Dad) ___________________
Date_____________________________
Cell _______________________________
Success 2012: P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds